A research-based provider of novel, rapid medical diagnostics, Biosite® Incorporated has recently been granted USFDA clearance to add methadone to its Triage® TOX Drug Screen.

This addition expands the Triage® TOX Drug Screen menu to cover 10 drug classes, all of which can be accurately and simultaneously detected within approximately 15 minutes.

"Many drugs, such as methadone, can dangerously interact with other medications, which can put patients at risk if the substances in their body are not accurately identified in a timely manner," said Norman Paradis, M.D., Biosite's vice president, clinical and medical affairs.

"The Triage® TOX Drug Screen is a rapid and easy-to-interpret device that may allow physicians to make quicker treatment decisions."

Methadone, a medication affecting the central nervous system is being used by clinics and hospitals as a treatment of narcotic withdrawal and dependence. It relieves withdrawal symptoms from heroin, morphine and other opioid drugs.

Following this FDA clearance, Biosite can now offer the Triage® TOX Drug Screen with analytes covering 10 major classes of drugs for the qualitative determination of acetaminophen/paracetamol, amphetamines, methamphetamines, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, cocaine, methadone, opiates, phencyclidine, THC and tricyclic antidepressants.

Shipments of the product (Triage® TOX Drug Screen) are expected to begin in the second half of 2006. Upon approval by the local regulatory agencies, the tests will be available in international countries.

Source: Biosite® Inc.